Discussion About Single & Hdb Flat Ownership + Hdb Loan (Compiled)

[ladyheart]

4 minutes ago, oBiGeekie said:

 
Really depends on budget. For me bathroom and kitchen are important at the start. Most important appliance would be the fridge. Most important item would be a mattress (can get low cost ones) and lighting. The rest you can slowly buy loose furniture.

Thank you. How much you paid? Did u get an renovation company to do for you? Or you source individually contractors to do which ppl said more better n cheaper

[oBiGeekie]

On 9/30/2023 at 3:09 PM, ladyheart said:

Thank you. How much you paid? Did u get a renovation company to do for you? Or you source individually contractors to do which ppl said more better n cheaper

 

Edited November 4, 2023 by oBiGeekie

[Guest guest]

37 minutes ago, thickhead79 said:

all depend what u want 

 

for me kitchen is not important since i cant cook

 

toilet is important to me, i need a dry and wet area 

 

living room and bed room just simple wall painting is fine enough 

 

and of course flooring important too

 

nothing much needed to do for a 2 room flat, unless u think u going to stay there forever

 

my 1st renovation without ID cost me 8k
my 2nd renovation with ID cost me 15k 

You did 2 reno to your same house? Looks like with ID cost almost double. Wonder what is the difference between ID and no ID?

[thickhead79]

1 minute ago, Guest guest said:

You did 2 reno to your same house? Looks like with ID cost almost double. Wonder what is the difference between ID and no ID?

cos i rent out the house for 3 y so when i return i wan to re do the house

 

ID mean they suppose to monitor and design everything for u 

 

no ID mean i need to find own contractor and monitor myself 

[thickhead79]

35 minutes ago, ladyheart said:

Thank you. I not going to do flooring cos it already done. But kitchen need to have tap and sink. Cos have to get someone to do the water piping. I heard from others that better to get individual people to do it, rather then give to one renovation firm

of course if u are free got time to self manage then just find contractor to do for u lo

 

just do a basic cabinet in kitchen will do

[Guest Walker]

23 minutes ago, ladyheart said:

I just got my bto 2 room flat.  Can anyone can show some advice how to go about it with the renovation. Basically I don't have much saving, so just intend to just do some little renovation.  What should I do first? Can someone to do the electrical? Toilet renovation? Basically, there are no water basin and tap in toilet and kitchen. 

I purchased most of my stuffs (eg branded washer, fridge, aircon, TV, ceiling fans, vacuum cleaner, furniture, etc) from Gain City's Group Buy Program (https://groupbuy.gaincity.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18259690509&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwc-IoOXRgQMVD1orCh1WuQQ-EAAYASAAEgJzd_D_BwE) and for kitchen & bathroom accessories from Hoe Lee Hardware (https://www.hoekee.com.sg). Installation service is provided. I also engaged I-Carpneter to do my kitchen cabinet. Perhaps you should visit their showrooms (including Ikea) to take a look and then decide what you want.

[ladyheart]

1 hour ago, oBiGeekie said:

 
I did full reno with ID cos busy with work 😅. But I’ve friends that go direct contractors route. It takes more time+effort to coordinate but you save a lot. A quick search on Carousell you can find reno contractors with good reviews. You can consider ikea kitchen cabinets too, I think they have in-house installers. Hard to give cost estimates nowadays as it depends on demand/supply/manpower etc.

Thank you. I will check it out at ikea

[ladyheart]

1 hour ago, thickhead79 said:

of course if u are free got time to self manage then just find contractor to do for u lo

 

just do a basic cabinet in kitchen will do

Thank you so much. 

[ladyheart]

1 hour ago, Guest Walker said:

I purchased most of my stuffs (eg branded washer, fridge, aircon, TV, ceiling fans, vacuum cleaner, furniture, etc) from Gain City's Group Buy Program (https://groupbuy.gaincity.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18259690509&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwc-IoOXRgQMVD1orCh1WuQQ-EAAYASAAEgJzd_D_BwE) and for kitchen & bathroom accessories from Hoe Lee Hardware (https://www.hoekee.com.sg). Installation service is provided. I also engaged I-Carpneter to do my kitchen cabinet. Perhaps you should visit their showrooms (including Ikea) to take a look and then decide what you want.

Thank you. So I should look for someone to do the electrical 1st right? Also toilet renovation like basin, tap and shower head set up with water piping set up? You also 2 room flat? How much you spent?

[ladyheart]

1 hour ago, thickhead79 said:

of course if u are free got time to self manage then just find contractor to do for u lo

 

just do a basic cabinet in kitchen will do

 

1 hour ago, Guest Walker said:

I purchased most of my stuffs (eg branded washer, fridge, aircon, TV, ceiling fans, vacuum cleaner, furniture, etc) from Gain City's Group Buy Program (https://groupbuy.gaincity.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18259690509&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwc-IoOXRgQMVD1orCh1WuQQ-EAAYASAAEgJzd_D_BwE) and for kitchen & bathroom accessories from Hoe Lee Hardware (https://www.hoekee.com.sg). Installation service is provided. I also engaged I-Carpneter to do my kitchen cabinet. Perhaps you should visit their showrooms (including Ikea) to take a look and then decide what you want.

I checked out shopee also got sell lighting and toilet accessories. Anyone bought from there?

[Guest Walker]

2 hours ago, ladyheart said:

Thank you. So I should look for someone to do the electrical 1st right? Also toilet renovation like basin, tap and shower head set up with water piping set up? You also 2 room flat? How much you spent?

Why do you need an electrician? I don't think you intend to rewire your BTO flat or change the lighting points & positions of the switches. For your kitchen & toilet, you need to talk to a contractor to get an estimate quote (you don't have to commit).

 

Yes, mine is a 2-room flat and I spent about $13K-$14K to fully furnished my house (including kitchen cabinet & painting) about 5 years ago. I didn't do any renovation as I took up the "Optional Component Scheme".

 

Suggest you do your window shopping first and then decide what to buy later based on your budget.

[Guest guest]

5 hours ago, thickhead79 said:

cos i rent out the house for 3 y so when i return i wan to re do the house

 

ID mean they suppose to monitor and design everything for u 

 

no ID mean i need to find own contractor and monitor myself 

The ID that you engaged good or not? I wanted to look for ID soon also.

[Guest guest]

5 hours ago, Guest Walker said:

I purchased most of my stuffs (eg branded washer, fridge, aircon, TV, ceiling fans, vacuum cleaner, furniture, etc) from Gain City's Group Buy Program (https://groupbuy.gaincity.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18259690509&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwc-IoOXRgQMVD1orCh1WuQQ-EAAYASAAEgJzd_D_BwE) and for kitchen & bathroom accessories from Hoe Lee Hardware (https://www.hoekee.com.sg). Installation service is provided. I also engaged I-Carpneter to do my kitchen cabinet. Perhaps you should visit their showrooms (including Ikea) to take a look and then decide what you want.

Good info, never know Gain City has such program.

[Guest guest]

1 hour ago, Guest Walker said:

Why do you need an electrician? I don't think you intend to rewire your BTO flat or change the lighting points & positions of the switches. For your kitchen & toilet, you need to talk to a contractor to get an estimate quote (you don't have to commit).

 

Yes, mine is a 2-room flat and I spent about $13K-$14K to fully furnished my house (including kitchen cabinet & painting) about 5 years ago. I didn't do any renovation as I took up the "Optional Component Scheme".

 

Suggest you do your window shopping first and then decide what to buy later based on your budget.

Any idea how much roughly cost for rewire whole house electrical?

[Guest Walker]

52 minutes ago, Guest guest said:

Any idea how much roughly cost for rewire whole house electrical?

Don't know. Please let us know after you did it. Thanks.

[thickhead79]

1 hour ago, Guest guest said:

The ID that you engaged good or not? I wanted to look for ID soon also.

not good, maybe small money she not so keen to do 

Edited September 30, 2023 by thickhead79

[Guest guest]

5 minutes ago, thickhead79 said:

not good, maybe small money she not so keen to do 

Really difficult to find a good ID nowadays.

[ladyheart]

3 hours ago, Guest Walker said:

Why do you need an electrician? I don't think you intend to rewire your BTO flat or change the lighting points & positions of the switches. For your kitchen & toilet, you need to talk to a contractor to get an estimate quote (you don't have to commit).

 

Yes, mine is a 2-room flat and I spent about $13K-$14K to fully furnished my house (including kitchen cabinet & painting) about 5 years ago. I didn't do any renovation as I took up the "Optional Component Scheme".

 

Suggest you do your window shopping first and then decide what to buy later based on your budget.

Thank you for the info. Wow, your flat must be beautiful.  5 years ago, spent 14k  was quite a lot. I don't have that kind of money.

[Guest guest]

3 minutes ago, ladyheart said:

Thank you for the info. Wow, your flat must be beautiful.  5 years ago, spent 14k  was quite a lot. I don't have that kind of money.

Now reno cost all went up a lot. Heard that even basic type of reno also needs $10k-$20k.

[ladyheart]

1 hour ago, Guest guest said:

Now reno cost all went up a lot. Heard that even basic type of reno also needs $10k-$20k.

That bad for me

[thickhead79]

9 hours ago, Guest guest said:

Now reno cost all went up a lot. Heard that even basic type of reno also needs $10k-$20k.

yes my 2nd renovation is very simple also need 15k gg

 

best just get contractor do yr own design 

 

just a place to sleep

[thickhead79]

7 hours ago, ladyheart said:

That bad for me

look up for malaysia contractor 

 

malaysia funiture is cheap just need to pay 8% GST to come in

 

google Teck Seng JB funiture 

[Guest Pocket Money]

Singapore furniture is not too expensive; you can get it at factory pricing from a number of warehouses in Paya Lebar, Yishun and Woodland industrial parks.  Purchasing used furniture, from Carosell,  that is still in reasonable condition is also not sinful. Expect more contractors to take advantage of you next year when the GST increases. There is no need to spend so much money on a warm and comfortable home. A few minor adjustments with the help of handyman, appropriate paint color and useful inexpensive furnishings will do the trick.   

[thickhead79]

1 hour ago, Guest Pocket Money said:

Singapore furniture is not too expensive; you can get it at factory pricing from a number of warehouses in Paya Lebar, Yishun and Woodland industrial parks.  Purchasing used furniture, from Carosell,  that is still in reasonable condition is also not sinful. Expect more contractors to take advantage of you next year when the GST increases. There is no need to spend so much money on a warm and comfortable home. A few minor adjustments with the help of handyman, appropriate paint color and useful inexpensive furnishings will do the trick.   

fortytwo is fine also 

 

online funiture shop

[ladyheart]

5 hours ago, thickhead79 said:

look up for malaysia contractor 

 

malaysia funiture is cheap just need to pay 8% GST to come in

 

google Teck Seng JB funiture 

Thank you so much.

[ladyheart]

5 hours ago, thickhead79 said:

yes my 2nd renovation is very simple also need 15k gg

 

best just get contractor do yr own design 

 

just a place to sleep

Yes, that what I intend.  I dun have that much money for that. But some basic things I need are lightnings,  toilet appliances ( sink, tap, shower appliances ), kitchen basin etc. Funiture I think whether is it cheaper to buy ready made

[ladyheart]

3 hours ago, Guest Pocket Money said:

Singapore furniture is not too expensive; you can get it at factory pricing from a number of warehouses in Paya Lebar, Yishun and Woodland industrial parks.  Purchasing used furniture, from Carosell,  that is still in reasonable condition is also not sinful. Expect more contractors to take advantage of you next year when the GST increases. There is no need to spend so much money on a warm and comfortable home. A few minor adjustments with the help of handyman, appropriate paint color and useful inexpensive furnishings will do the trick.   

Thank you. Is true what u suggest.  Omg next year more expensive,  so I better get it done this year

[Guest Guest]

Go green…….

 

Just cool your place with KDK fan, no need to install Mitsubishi Starmex. 

[Guest guest]

8 hours ago, ladyheart said:

Yes, that what I intend.  I dun have that much money for that. But some basic things I need are lightnings,  toilet appliances ( sink, tap, shower appliances ), kitchen basin etc. Funiture I think whether is it cheaper to buy ready made

Furniture still able to get cheap, don't do any built in, buy off shelves type, then can save on carpentry work. Installing on lightnings and basic shower/basic/tap should not ex also.

 

You can take up reno loan up to $30k if you really have no money but need to do some reno.

[ladyheart]

16 hours ago, Guest Guest said:

Go green…….

 

Just cool your place with KDK fan, no need to install Mitsubishi Starmex. 

Yes, aircon I cannot afford at the moment.

[ladyheart]

14 hours ago, Guest guest said:

Furniture still able to get cheap, don't do any built in, buy off shelves type, then can save on carpentry work. Installing on lightnings and basic shower/basic/tap should not ex also.

 

You can take up reno loan up to $30k if you really have no money but need to do some reno.

Thank you. I saw some furniture on shoppe. Look good and affordable but dun know good or not

[Guest guest]

10 hours ago, ladyheart said:

Thank you. I saw some furniture on shoppe. Look good and affordable but dun know good or not

No need goes to shoppe, you can still be able to find not ex furniture shop. Just need time to walk around and find.

[ladyheart]

5 hours ago, Guest guest said:

No need goes to shoppe, you can still be able to find not ex furniture shop. Just need time to walk around and find.

Thank you for your suggestions 

[Guest HDB]

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/hdb-launches-6800-bto-flats-with-tighter-rules-for-applicants-who-reject-offer-to-book-units

[sayfirst]

On 10/1/2023 at 7:42 PM, Guest Guest said:

Go green…….

 

Just cool your place with KDK fan, no need to install Mitsubishi Starmex. 

Was wondering if there’re better aircon models because my Mitsubishi Starmex has had a few maintenance issues

[Guest HDB]

3 hours ago, sayfirst said:

Was wondering if there’re better aircon models because my Mitsubishi Starmex has had a few maintenance issues

I've been using it for more than 5 years and have no problems so far. It's considered one of the best & most reliable brand (better than my previous Daikin air-con that needed servicing after 3-4 years for water dripping from fan coil and not cooling the room).

[Guest HDB]

9 hours ago, Guest HDB said:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/hdb-launches-6800-bto-flats-with-tighter-rules-for-applicants-who-reject-offer-to-book-units

Damned, I just found out that applicants for HDB BTO must have a valid HFE (HDB Flat Eligibility) even without taking a loan.

[smt4men]

24 minutes ago, Guest HDB said:

Damned, I just found out that applicants for HDB BTO must have a valid HFE (HDB Flat Eligibility) even without taking a loan.

The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter serves as a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility for various aspects of homebuying. Through a single application, you will receive a clear indication of your eligibility to purchase either a Build-To-Order (BTO) or resale HDB flat. This letter goes beyond merely conveying loan details; it also provides upfront information on your eligibility for CPF housing grants, HDB housing loans, along with the corresponding grant and loan amounts. In essence, the HFE letter encompasses not only loan information but also grant eligibility and purchase eligibility.

[sayfirst]

1 hour ago, Guest HDB said:

Damned, I just found out that applicants for HDB BTO must have a valid HFE (HDB Flat Eligibility) even without taking a loan.

Ya that’s why HDB encouraged applicants to apply for HFE in advance to reduce the backlog and waiting time, instead of applying for it only at the start of the BTO launch. 

[Guest HDB]

3 hours ago, smt4men said:

The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter serves as a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility for various aspects of homebuying. Through a single application, you will receive a clear indication of your eligibility to purchase either a Build-To-Order (BTO) or resale HDB flat. This letter goes beyond merely conveying loan details; it also provides upfront information on your eligibility for CPF housing grants, HDB housing loans, along with the corresponding grant and loan amounts. In essence, the HFE letter encompasses not only loan information but also grant eligibility and purchase eligibility.

Thanks a lot. Anyway, I've just written to HDB to appeal as I am not taking a loan and also will not be enjoying any CPF Housing Grant. I also had no issue in the last HDB BTO launch. Furthermore, while completing the HFE application, I did see a clause stating that I am eligible to apply for a Short Lease 2-Room Flat (up to 45 years). 🙏

[smt4men]

3 hours ago, Guest HDB said:

Thanks a lot. Anyway, I've just written to HDB to appeal as I am not taking a loan and also will not be enjoying any CPF Housing Grant. I also had no issue in the last HDB BTO launch. Furthermore, while completing the HFE application, I did see a clause stating that I am eligible to apply for a Short Lease 2-Room Flat (up to 45 years). 🙏

 Do note that the 2-room Flexi flats with short leases are designed for senior. To apply for one, all purchasers need to be at least 55 years old when requesting an HFE letter. These short-lease 2-room Flexi flats cannot be put up for sale on the open market. If you decide not to continue living in it, you must return the flat to HDB. Upon return, HDB will compensate you for the remaining lease period's value.

[Sweetie Pie]

59 minutes ago, smt4men said:

These short-lease 2-room Flexi flats cannot be put up for sale on the open market. If you decide not to continue living in it, you must return the flat to HDB. Upon return, HDB will compensate you for the remaining lease period's value.

Most seniors in 2-room BTOs (short leases) have no plans to invest or relocate again in the near future.  Unless they win the lotto, that will be their final resting place.  By downgrading, I made the assumption that they had already monetized their assets and hoped that they intended to use the money wisely and avoid being spammed by scammers.   Even so, 2-BTO (99 year lease) is also not a good investment asset. 

[lonelyglobe]

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/property/bto-launch-impacts-hdb-resale-in-september-first-price-drop-since-february

[Guest HDB]

2 hours ago, smt4men said:

 Do note that the 2-room Flexi flats with short leases are designed for senior. To apply for one, all purchasers need to be at least 55 years old when requesting an HFE letter. These short-lease 2-room Flexi flats cannot be put up for sale on the open market. If you decide not to continue living in it, you must return the flat to HDB. Upon return, HDB will compensate you for the remaining lease period's value.

Yes, I know. Am actually very happy where I am residing now. If it's not because of my next-door neighbour (family of 3 from hell), I will not bother to move elsewhere. Anyway getting a short lease flat is more or less like renting a flat that is fully paid in advance (I think @thickhead79 came out with that analogy). Furthermore in the event if I die, it’s easier for the beneficiaries too as they simply have to return the unit to HDB and get reimbursement for the balance sum.

[Guest HDB]

1 hour ago, Sweetie Pie said:

Most seniors in 2-room BTOs (short leases) have no plans to invest or relocate again in the near future.  Unless they win the lotto, that will be their final resting place.  By downgrading, I made the assumption that they had already monetized their assets and hoped that they intended to use the money wisely and avoid being spammed by scammers.   Even so, 2-BTO (99 year lease) is also not a good investment asset. 

👍

[Sweetie Pie]

If immigrants desire to acquire a HDB in Singapore, the wealthy ones, particularly those from China, Hong Kong,  India, or other countries, who did not wish to convert their citizenship, will raise the price of HDB resale properties.   Just in case you guys didn't know, two PRs can buy a HDB resale apartment together. Due to this, the HDB resale market is extremely competitive and accessible to affluent foreigners.Single foreigners are less likely to choose a smaller 2-room BTO after converting to citizenship and are more likely to choose a larger resale apartment.  With Prime and Prime Plus zoning on its way, the future of the resale market is more open to your speculation.

[smt4men]

14 hours ago, Sweetie Pie said:

Most seniors in 2-room BTOs (short leases) have no plans to invest or relocate again in the near future.  Unless they win the lotto, that will be their final resting place.  By downgrading, I made the assumption that they had already monetized their assets and hoped that they intended to use the money wisely and avoid being spammed by scammers.   Even so, 2-BTO (99 year lease) is also not a good investment asset. 

Recognizing the impossibility of selling or leasing the flat on the open market is essential, as some seniors may wrongly assume they have complete ownership of the short-term lease for the period they've paid for. Consequently, they may intend to include it in their bequest plans. Additionally, it's important to note that HDB flat "owners" with 1 or 2-room flats are not permitted to rent out their bedrooms.

 

Certainly, we can delve into a more detailed conversation about property wealth planning in a private setting. Please feel free to initiate a direct message if you'd like to explore this further.

 

 

[IkuTube]

15 hours ago, Sweetie Pie said:

If immigrants desire to acquire a HDB in Singapore, the wealthy ones, particularly those from China, Hong Kong,  India, or other countries, who did not wish to convert their citizenship, will raise the price of HDB resale properties.   Just in case you guys didn't know, two PRs can buy a HDB resale apartment together. Due to this, the HDB resale market is extremely competitive and accessible to affluent foreigners.Single foreigners are less likely to choose a smaller 2-room BTO after converting to citizenship and are more likely to choose a larger resale apartment.  With Prime and Prime Plus zoning on its way, the future of the resale market is more open to your speculation.

 

Good info! Thanks!

[30yochinese]

hi all,

 

Here's what i did,

 

I am 40yo, born here, parents are 70yo & middle class/Spore Citizens. I am openly gay & 3 of us decided:

 

(1) Dad sells his current HDB,

 

a million dollar executive maisonette.

 

(2) with the proceeds,

 

we spend half a year looking at the Redhill/Queenstown/Dawson & in 2020,

 

a total of 30 units we viewed, generally out of the 30 units on sale in the above 3 areas,

 

Those located in Redhill are outdated in their interiors & worn out & not worth the high selling/asking price. 

 

But my preference is to stay walking distance from REDHILL MRT, so i bought a 4room-resale-Lengkok-Bahru for $483,000

 

I sincerely hope all of u out there,

Gay,

Straight,

or in between,

Seriously spend a year weighing the pros & cons of your property woes, wishing u gd luck!

[smt4men]

20 hours ago, Sweetie Pie said:

If immigrants desire to acquire a HDB in Singapore, the wealthy ones, particularly those from China, Hong Kong,  India, or other countries, who did not wish to convert their citizenship, will raise the price of HDB resale properties.   Just in case you guys didn't know, two PRs can buy a HDB resale apartment together. Due to this, the HDB resale market is extremely competitive and accessible to affluent foreigners.Single foreigners are less likely to choose a smaller 2-room BTO after converting to citizenship and are more likely to choose a larger resale apartment.  With Prime and Prime Plus zoning on its way, the future of the resale market is more open to your speculation.

In Singapore, property remains the cornerstone of wealth for many, with HDB flats being a prominent asset.

 

HDB flats can serve both as a place to live and as an investment. While rising HDB resale prices benefit homeowners, they pose challenges for first-time buyers.

 

In a fast developing nation such as Singapore, rising incomes and enhanced purchasing ability among the population can exert upward pressure on resale HDB prices.

The pivotal question to consider revolves around your status as a homeowner looking to upgrade or downsize your HDB flat: Are you prepared for the possibility of witnessing a stagnant or declining value in your home? Taking into account factors such as bank interest, CPF accrual interest, inflation, and other potential influences, it is important to be mindful of how these variables can contribute to the possibility of negative sales if property prices remains status quo or depreciate.